Kenyans applying for new passports are now facing higher costs after the government quietly removed the 50-page passport option from the eCitizen platform.
The online portal now lists only the 66-page passport at KSh 12,500 for new applicants, leaving no mid-tier or budget alternatives. A check of the eCitizen system shows that both the 50-page option and the previously withdrawn 34-page passport are no longer available for standard applications or renewals.
Earlier, applicants could choose between 34-page, 50-page, and 66-page passports, with fees ranging from KSh 7,500 to KSh 12,500. Now, the 66-page passport is the sole choice, forcing all applicants to pay the highest fee, even if they do not require the extra pages.
The removal of the 50-page passport follows the scrapping of the 34-page version in July 2025, which the government said was due to operational and supply challenges. No long-term solution or explanation has been provided for the latest change.
This shift has sparked concerns among first-time passport holders and job seekers planning to work abroad, for whom the passport fee is just the start of a series of expenses, including visas, medical tests, police clearance, and airfare. Many argue that higher passport costs could hinder legal migration and limit economic opportunities.
Kenyans have taken to social media, urging the government to restore the 34-page and 50-page options and clarify the reasons behind their removal.